Les Bowen

Brian Rolle started 13 games at weakside linebacker for the Eagles last season. Coaches considered him a gritty overachiever as a sixth-round draft choice from Ohio State.

But Rolle, generously listed at 5-10, lost his starting job in training camp, and never really showed his rookie tenacity when demoted to special teams. Two days after allowing the New York Giants to average 36.2 yards on six kickoff returns, the Eagles cut Rolle Tuesday, bringing back Adrian Moten, a linebacker they'd cut in the preseason. It seems pretty likely Moten's main role will be special teams, which haven't covered kicks or punts well this season.

Also returning is another 2011 Eagles sixth-round pick, offensive lineman Julian Vandervelde, who is joining the Eagles' practice squad after having been released from the Tampa Bay practice squad. Vandervelde's Eagles highlight so far is his rendition of the Star Spangled Banner before the Flight Night practice in August.

Released was longsnapper Kyle Nelson, who was on the practice squad just in case Jon Dorenbos' ankle didn't allow him to play last week.